About My Work
When the film “Into the Wild” hit the big screen, I paused to reflect that the bus where Chris McCandless died was only about 100 miles from where Fannie not only survived, but perfected her wilderness lifestyle over 40 years.
Fannie was no starry-eyed idealist, but a realist. She did not have the luxury of placing her existence in the context of adventure, or even wilderness, but instead was focused on simply making a living, and supporting the prospecting efforts of her husband Joe.
I have often wondered whether or how Fannie understood the concept of wilderness scenery. Wilderness is a concept which, as a basically romantic ideal, leaning on the concept of the sublime, virtually requires the idea of leisure. Absent the leisure for contemplation, wilderness is only about survival. And survival, requires hard work.
Like most Alaskans, I see Chris McCandless as someone with a death wish. For Alaskans, enjoyment of wilderness is synonymous with preparation, and preparation for hard work. If you are not ready for that, stay home. Or enjoy the wilderness on an organized wilderness tour, a fly-in cabin, or somewhere, closer to the road.
Other Books by Jane Haigh
Jane Haigh
Alaska Pioneer Interiors
A fascinating collection of 80 archival photographs of Alaska pioneer home interiors, 1903-1919, with detailed captions describing the furnishings in each room. This is a popular sourcebook for those interested in re-creating authentically styled interiors in museums, homes, or on the stage.
https://www.amazon.com/Alaska-Pioneer-Interiors-Photographic-Historical/dp/0940457202
Jane Haigh and friends
Catch and Release: the Insiders Guide to Alaska Men
https://www.amazon.com/Catch-Release-Insiders-Guide-Alaska/dp/0962753025
Denali: Early Photographs of Our National Parks Paperback – Wolf Creek Books, 2000
The Alaska Highway. A Historic Photographic Journey Paperback
Wolf Creek Books, 2001